This bill proposes several updates to current statutes regarding the service of process in court-ordered evaluations and treatments. Under the current law, personal service of documents must be completed by a peace officer, process server, or another authorized individual. The bill would amend this by allowing employees of screening or evaluation agencies to serve these documents if the proposed patient is admitted to such an agency at the time the petition is filed. Additionally, it broadens the scope of who can serve documents by permitting individuals prescribed by law or court rule to do so, rather than limiting it to those authorized by the Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure.

Furthermore, the bill allows counties, cities, or towns to contract with screening or evaluation agencies for service of process instead of relying solely on peace officers. It clarifies that evaluation and screening agencies are not financially responsible for serving these documents and stipulates that they may only receive reimbursement for such services through a contract with a county. Overall, these changes aim to streamline the process of serving documents in mental health evaluations and treatments while ensuring that the agencies involved are not financially burdened.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-510.01
Senate Engrossed Version: 36-510.01
House Engrossed Version: 36-510.01
Chaptered Version: 36-510.01